QJumpers Blog

What if the best candidate to fill the vacancy within your organisation has impressed you with their CV and their attitude, but lives a fair distance away? Even if they have indicated that relocating is not a problem if hired, arranging an interview could become a challenge.

A lot can be discussed through emails and phone calls, but we understand you’d rather meet this person in person. In this case, Skype or another type of video calling could be the answer. It’s the next best thing when a face-to-face interview is difficult to arrange.

Video calling saves time and money, does not incur travel costs, and leaves practically no carbon footprint. Why not screen every shortlisted candidate on a video call before meeting with them in person? It’s easy and cost-effective.

We have researched a range of blogs and websites on video calling in the recruitment process and would like to share some of the tips and tricks we found.

Check your settings and prepare as usual

It’s best to familiarise yourself with the technology before making the call. A test run is to check your equipment and settings is highly recommended. Call your partner, your mum, your friend in London, or anyone you like - as long as your first venture into the world of Skype is not during the actual interview.

The first thing to test is if the person at the other end can hear you clearly. Also check for background noise. You may need to close the windows to avoid traffic sounds, and remove other distractions that could potentially interrupt your call.

Set it up in a brightly lit room and adjust your camera so it gives a clear picture of your head and shoulders. Sit close to the microphone, otherwise the programme will try to bring the level of your voice up which can make things sound a little strange.

Prepare for the video call as you would for any other interview, and make it as professional or casual as you like. As long as everything is set up and working fine, this should be no different than interviewing someone the regular way.

What to expect at the other end

It’s to be expected that the person you are video calling would have prepared for the interview as they would have for a ‘normal’ interview as well, and that they have tested their own settings. Let’s hope they have also given some thought to their own background before taking your video call. It goes without saying that a blank wall will give a much better impression than a messy lounge or an unmade bed.

A fun post from the Huffington Post has some great tips for candidates on what not to do: http://huff.to/16b5Aif